Arrests made after Celtic and Rangers followers’ violent conflict throughout Ibrox pitch riot
Celtic’s penalty shootout win over Rangers ended with chaotic scenes as both sets of fans clashed with stewards and police following the full-time whistle at Ibrox
(Image: PA)
Multiple arrests have been made following Celtic’s win over Rangers at Ibrox after both supporters invaded the pitch and clashed with police. The Scottish Cup match ended with chaotic scenes, with police officers and a member of the public picking up injuries.
Tomas Cvancara scored the decisive penalty for Celtic, which triggered rapturous scenes in a larger-than-usual away end at Ibrox. It is the first time in nearly a decade that such a significant allocation of away fans has been permitted at an Old Firm match.
Some Celtic fans started to enter the pitch in jubilation, prompting an incensed response from their rivals at the opposite end of the ground. A group of Rangers fans charged across the pitch to confront the Celtic supporters who had encroached.
Scenes turned nasty as fans were spotted hurling what appeared to be pyrotechnic flares into the section housing the Celtic supporters. Police and stewards managed to form a barricade between the two sets of fans before Gers fans made their way back towards their own end, but not without injury.
Police Scotland provided an update, stating that they will now work with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association to carry out an investigation.
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Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen said: “The behaviour of a number of supporters at the Scottish Cup quarter final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox today was shameful. It must be condemned by everyone involved in football and wider society.
“A number of arrests have already been made, and Police Scotland will now work with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association to carry out a robust investigation following the scenes on the pitch at the conclusion of the match.
“Officers and stewards were faced with extreme hostility and violence over a sustained period, with many individuals having armed themselves with items clearly intended to cause harm.
“Officers and members of the public have been injured in this despicable display and I want to express my thanks to all officers and staff deployed.
“The investigation will also include the actions of some supporters who entered the Broomloan Road stand without tickets before the match started, forcing delays in the security operation and the turnstiles to be closed for a period of time.
“I would also urge anyone with information about who was involved in disorder before, during or after the match to get in touch with Police Scotland on 101.”
